Getting started with large format with intrepid camera

I am considering to buy my first large format camera from https://intrepidcamera.co.uk. They will go on sale again soon. I am considering this one because it is fairly portable and cheap and I know it won't be broken or anything because it is new and not used.

Now I have two questions:

1. Would this be a good choice to get started with medium format or am I better off trying to find something used on ebay?
2. What would be a good choice for a lens for this camera? Again it should not be too expensive (less than 200 USD) and should have good image quality (as good as it gets for this price). Focal length should be 150mm or larger.

Medium format? What does this "medium format" mean? I ask because if you're going to shoot roll film (formats 6x6, 6x7, 6x9) it may be better to use a medium format system camera than a 4x5 view camera with a roll holder. If you mean 4x5, re-calibrate your concept of medium format.

More seriously, if Intrepid holds the price to 200 UKP at today's rates that'll be around $250 plus shipping. You can't get any other new 4x5 field camera for that little. But you can get used 4x5 monorails with Graflok backs for less. I have a Cambo so don't follow Sinar prices but understand they're low too.

About lenses, look on ebay.com. Click on lenses, then on type of camera, select large format and browse. There are many modern lenses from, in alphabetical order, Fuji, Nikon, Schneider and Rodenstock of focal lengths from 150 to 210 mm that will fit your budget. Impossible to make a bad mistake with any of them that's in good order, but note that newer lenses (all but it) are somewhat preferable to convertible Symmars. Somewhat.

Dear bonk,

1. The nice thing about the new camera is that everything will be nice and tight, the bellows will last and you haven't spent much. It is, however, an odd entry point into medium format unless you are interested in working with Scheimpflug movements.

2. Caltar lenses are usually a bargain.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

The camera you are considering looks well-built and very functional. It looks like a good choice for getting started in large format.

For your information, at one time, 4x5 inch was considered medium format. Today, it is considered large format.

Do you plan on getting a medium format roll film holder for the camera?

Is the camera made of wood and if so, what type of wood?

It has all the front movements. Does it have rear movements and if not, do you need rear movements?

Well I bought the Intrepid as an intro to 4x5 and I'm very pleased with it. Is it perfect? No - it has no movements on the rear standard but I have swing, tilt and rise/fall on the front standard which does pretty much all I need for landscape photography. Plus point is that its very light - even with 3 lenses and a half dozen dark slides the kit weighs way less than my Canon SLR kit. I've got a Fujinon lens set I use extensively - 90mm / 150mm / 210mm with very good results. If you start with just one lens I recommend the Fujinon 150mm f5.6 like this one which comes in under your $200 budget. Of course you'll need some 4x5 dark slides - APUG members can probably sell you a few to get you started.

Go for the Intrepid - you won't regret it.

Simon

Now I have two questions:

bonk said:

1. Would this be a good choice to get started with medium format or am I better off trying to find something used on ebay?
2. What would be a good choice for a lens for this camera? Again it should not be too expensive (less than 200 USD) and should have good image quality (as good as it gets for this price). Focal length should be 150mm or larger.

Click to expand...

The camera seems to be a pretty good deal. If you were to buy a portable wooden 4x5, it would cost much more. As for the lens, what do you like to shoot. If you like portraiture, I'd get a 210mm. If you like to shoot landscapes, I would buy a 150mm or 90mm lens. There are tons of good used lenses on ebay. My concern is buying a used lens with accurate shutter speeds. Large format has a step learning curve, so allow yourself to make mistakes. It's all part of the fun.

I agree with Simon. I too own an Intrepid and for field work, particularly the type where you are going to carry your equipment on your back, it is a great option.

It is not perfect and it does not have all the bells and whistles of a Cambo SC 4x5 monorail. But it is also nowhere near as bulky either.

All the movements are on the front standard but they will certainly get you started and serve you for many, many years of photography.

The camera is made of wood with aluminum fittings and everything has held together pretty well.

I am using an older Carl Zeiss Tessar 150mm lens with mine but it produces some excellent photographs. That is one of the neat things with LF, particularly 4x5, there are so many wonderful lens choices both new and old.

I totally enjoy working with mine and I'm sure you will as well. The price is right, the size and weight is right, and the photographs are beautiful and wonderfully detailed.

Most people who buy a large format camera end up selling it and buying a different large format camera later. You learn what you like and dislike on the first camera. The Intrepid is inexpensive so if you do end up selling it and buying something else later you won't be hurt much money wise. Just jump in and buy one.

Reread Dan Fromm's post about lenses. He is spot on as always. Do add Caltars to his list. The later ones are rebadged Rodenstocks or Schneiders. I'd go with a 210 f/5.6 lens myself. They are a slightly long lens compared to a normal 150 but they have huge coverage and are fun to learn on. Oh yeah, the first lens you buy you may end up selling too. Large format is really a different animal and you have to learn as you go. It's a lot of fun though!